Discover English Celebrates Double Award Win for Groundbreaking Daborra-ma Project
Discover English has been recognised with two prestigious awards – the PIEoneer Award for Language Training Provider of the Year and the English Australia Innovation Award – for its pioneering “Daborra-ma” initiative. Made possible through the Study Melbourne Inclusion Grant, the program has set a new standard for international student engagement by combining Indigenous storytelling with Australian Rules Football.
The impact on students has been remarkable. More than 320 international students took part in cultural storytelling sessions, football clinics, and community events with the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club. Post-program surveys revealed that 86% of participants felt more connected and confident living in Victoria, 85% felt more included in Australian society, and 87% reported a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Many students described their experience as transformative – helping them build friendships, improve English skills in real-world settings, and gain a stronger sense of belonging in Australia.
Discover English acknowledges the crucial support of the Study Melbourne Inclusion Grant, which co-founded the delivery of this sector-first initiative. By fostering meaningful connections with First Nations culture and community life, the Daborra-ma project not only enriched the student journey but also created a lasting model for cultural integration that can inspire education providers across Australia.
FEATURED COURSES
General English
The General English program develops students’ English language communication skills. There is a strong focus on building confidence and fluency. Above all, in a friendly and fun environment! Through a communicative approach, students practice their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Furthermore there are opportunities to learn these skills in a variety of ‘real life’ situations.
EIAP
The English for IELTS and Academic Purposes (EIAP) program familiarises students with English-medium academic conventions. Additionally, students develop skills specific to an academic environment. Above all, our students have a very high success rate from this course. Many of our alumni have gone on to study Diplomas and Bachelor degrees.
DISCOVER MELBOURNE
